DPWH reviews right-of-way policies

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is reviewing its issuances and policies on right-of-way (ROW) as it bids to hasten the completion for big-ticket infrastructure projects.

A team composed of DPWH Undersecretary Sharlyne Lapuz, legal experts and regional divisions has convened to revisit the rules, regulations and issues on ROW acquisition.

“The main agenda of the meeting is to ensure we address current issues to facilitate the timely ROW acquisition, especially for high-impact projects under President Marcos administration’s Build Better More program,” Lapuz said.

Lapuz said the agency seeks to come up with reform proposals on ROW acquisition that can be adapted to expedite the completion of government projects. Also, the agency hopes to improve the mechanism by exploring how digital platforms can help in speeding up procedures.

The DPWH has tagged the problems on ROW acquisition as the most common cause of delay in project implementation.

Lapuz said the DPWH is introducing changes in its ROW acquisition in preparation for future undertakings.

For one, it aims to maximize the use of its Infrastructure Right of Way Management Application moving forward, as it allows for the automation of ROW requirements and enhanced monitoring of acquisitions.

Similarly, the department also plans to adjust how they relocate poles owned by electric cooperatives.

As part of the assessment, the agency hopes to address issues on funding and claims involving certificates of ancestral domain titles and certificates of ancestral land titles.

Last August, the Makati Business Club (MBC) relayed to Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan a series of reforms that would improve the framework of public-private partnership (PPP) projects.

According to the MBC, the changes are needed to convince the private sector to support the PPPs to be offered by the Marcos administration.

MBC executive director Coco Alcuaz said the DPWH was asked to simplify the procedure of the ROW for PPPs.

The business group also pushed for the amendments of the Build-Operate-Transfer Law to enable the release of ROW funds even prior to the awarding of projects.

“There’s a need to further improve our ROW acquisition, which holds up projects as costs rise,” Alcuaz told The STAR.

“Maybe the government should acquire ROW before bidding out or awarding the projects, or the law can be revised so ROW funds can be released at least a year earlier,” Alcuaz added.